FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We ask that each mentoring pair does their best to meet once every two weeks.

How long should a typical mentoring meeting last?

Each mentoring meeting should last about an hour, but can go longer if the participants desire to do so.

Does my mentoring pair have to use the provided curriculum?

We strongly recommend you use the provided curriculum, as it will help point you conversation towards Jesus.

Where are some good locations to have mentoring meetings?

We recommend picking a common comfortable space like a coffee shop or a common space in one of Lipscomb’s many buildings. If you conversation in a particular week will be more sensitive, meeting in a office or classroom can be a great idea as well.

Can my mentoring partner and I meet more than once every two weeks?

The more the better! You are able to meet as much as you would like!

How am I paired with a mentor/mentee?

You are paired with your mentoring partner based off of common passions, hobbies, and/or vocational interests.

What is the role of the mentor is the relationship?

A mentor within The Joshua Project functions best as a spiritual friend who encourages the mentee in their walk with Jesus. We find that mentors should try to avoid playing the roles of a counselor or a spiritual teacher.

What should I do if it seems that might mentoring relationship is not working out?

There can be so many reasons why a mentoring relationship might not click. Reasons could include personality differences or scheduling conflicts among others. If your mentoring pair is struggling, please email thesjoshuaproject@lipscomb.edu so that we can try to work through the particular challenge.

What should I do if my mentee/mentor stops responding to my efforts for communication?

If you find that your mentor/mentee is not returning texts or emails, you might try another avenue like a direct call and voicemail. If another option does not work, please let our office know, and we will work with your pair on an individual basis.

Can I switch to a new mentor/mentee if my current one is not meeting my expectations?

In most cases, we will encourage you to stick with your assigned mentor/mentee. With that said, if that relationship proves not to work, our office will do our best to pair you with someone else depending on availability.

What should I do if my mentee needs help beyond what a mentor can/should provide?

If your mentee is dealing with emotional or psychological issues that are beyond what you can support, please contact The Joshua Project office and we will work with you to encourage your mentee to set up an appointment with Lipscomb’s Counseling Center.

What should I do if my mentor/mentee interacts with me in a way that is not appropriate?

If you ever feel an action within your mentoring relationships is inappropriate, please contact Jake Burton (jake.burton@lipscomb.edu) immediately. Jake is the Director of The Joshua Project.

What can I do if my mentee is not seeming to open up?

If you are having a hard time going deep as a mentoring pair, there can be many things that can cause this. In most cases, trust needs to be established before a mentee can feel safe enough to open up. To speed up this process, try inviting your mentee to do something fun with you, such as dinner, a walk around Radnor Lake, or take them to a Predators games. You may also consider sharing deeper parts of your own faith journey in hopes that they will respond to your vulnerability with their own.

What can I do if our conversation does not seem to very spiritual?

In most cases, if you stick to the provided curriculum, you will not be able to avoid spiritual conversation.

What should I do if my mentee/mentor shares something with me that make me believe they are in immediate danger?

If your mentee ever shares a threatening issue such as thoughts of suicide or any type of abuse, please contact Jake Burton (jake.burton@lipscomb.edu) immediately.

Will I have the same mentor/mentee every year?

You will have the option to stay with your mentee next year if you would like.

What is the best way to contact The Joshua Project Office?

The best way is to email thesjoshuaproject@lipscomb.edu, but feel free to call (615)966-1179 or drop by our office in the basement of the student center.

FOR ADULT MENTORS

How should I spend $50 per semester Stipend?

You can spend your stipend on anything within reason that would help cultivate a great mentoring experience. We suggest using the stipend for coffee, meals, and books to read together.

Do I need to keep up with receipts from purchases made with my stipend money?

Yes, please keep up with your receipts, because they will need to be turned in at the end of the semester.

As an hourly staff member, do I need to “clock out” when meeting with my mentee?

Provided you get permission from your superior, you do not need to need to clock out for your hour long official once every two week meeting with your mentee.